Clemson, S.C. (EETV) - Only one Tiger could come out on top in Death Valley, and tonight it was the Tigers from Clemson who came out with a win.
No. 3 Clemson defeated No. 13 Auburn 14-6 in a defensive battle that lasted the entire game.
The game was won purely off of who could produce touchdowns instead of field goals in the redzone, because both teams defenses played on another level that gave their respective teams a chance to win.
However, it was Auburn who had problems producing in the redzone throughout the game.
Clemson held Auburn to no touchdowns and only two field goals that came in the first half off the leg of Daniel Carlson.
Clemson's defense applied constant pressure to quarterback Jarrett Stidham, who was sacked 11 times 4 coming from DE Austin Bryant.
Clemson also held the Auburn offense to only 38 rushing yards and 117 total yards on the night.
Malzahn said, "I think anytime you have a performance like this, we're going to evaluate everything, and get the best plan moving forward."
On the other side of the ball, Clemson was able to convert touchdowns on two redzone appearances, both coming from the legs of quarterback Kelly Bryant.
Clemson drove 78 yards down the field, finishing with a 27-yard rushing touchdown from Bryant to close out the first half, putting Clemson up 7-6.
Then to open up the second half, Bryant led Clemson 88 yards to finish the scoring drive with a 3-yard touchdown to give Clemson the 14-6 lead, the score that would stand.
The game was not all Clemson, Auburn's defense was able to force Clemson's offense to turn over the ball twice and hold the Clemson offense to 283 total yards on the night.
Carlton Davis led the Auburn defense with 11 tackles, while Tre' Matthews tallied 9 tackles on the night.
"Our defense already knew that they were an outstanding defense, and that's a very good offense," said Malzahn. "Played their guts out, gave us a chance to win."
Auburn will return to Jordan-Hare Stadium on Sept. 16 to face Mercer. Kickoff is set for 3 p.m. CT.
